Comments on: Is Your Blog a Networking Tool?

By: Lenin Nair

Lenin Nair — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:23:26 +0000

Wonderful! Jennifer, I have almost the same opinion. Blogs should be similar to social networking tools> here is one article that I wrote recently on blogging language and style, in which I explored this question. Hope that will be a good addition to these tips mentioned. Lenin

By: Dave Clarke

Dave Clarke — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 15:52:46 +0000

I see my blog as a way of helping build relationships.
So yes it is a networking tool. I agree that it is not a conversation. I had not thought of the public speaking analogy so thank you for that insight. Looking back I regularly use the same stories in my blog & in talks & seminars that I deliver.

By: Taryn Merrick

Taryn Merrick — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 02:13:40 +0000

Great post! Just today I looked at several blogs and had to scramble for at least five minutes to find out how to contact the blog author! You are right, people should not force readers to jump through hoops like that.

I am a Virtual Assistant, so internet networking and marketing takes up the bulk of my advertising efforts. I wouldn’t dream of not having my website on my blogs as well as my logo. It’s all about the branding!

By: Tony Cathey

Tony Cathey — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:47:10 +0000

Extremely helpful post. Thanks!

Tony Cathey
http://www.imablogger.net

By: Ref

Ref — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:13:40 +0000

I think its a little each to their own.
I’m always a little torn between making a good blog by personalizing it with my own personality. But i don’t like to give to much of myself to people i don’t know.
You have to find the right balance.

By: Swaggie Coleman

Swaggie Coleman — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:01:15 +0000

You mention some very interesting things. I will definitely keep this in mind as I contemplate how to improve my blog.

I like the conversational tone and the way I reveal things about myself through the promotion of authors n my blog. The one thing I was avoiding was allowing feedback, which was selfish so I will change that. I just did not want negative bashing, etc.

Thank you for this insight.
http://swaggiecoleman.blogspot.com

By: amirulcyber

amirulcyber — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:40:22 +0000

i think this article give some idea.Thanks..

By: Jennifer Gniadecki

Jennifer Gniadecki — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 22:50:50 +0000

@Mike – It’s funny, I always thought I was afraid of public speaking because it’s just this “thing” – people are supposed to be afraid of public speaking…but really…it’s quite enjoyable! Love your blog, btw.

@Evelyn – Remember sometimes speaking to a group can be more conversational. You don’t have to be a three-ring-circus every time!

@Todd – From my vantage point (aka my opinion your mileage may vary) the blog is not necessarily the networking tool – it’s the middle ground between people you network with (online or offline) and the phone call or the email that brings them to you for business. No one wants to go from a “Hey, howareya stranger!” To having a barely-warm call to talk about business. Even if the busines is just a cross-blog conversation to raise everyone’s traffic.

@Tom – I think many people think of blogging as a franchise. Sure there are a bunch out there just like it but you can make it different by the nature of being you. I don’t think that’s a really effective strategy but I think too many people heard how important content was and figured that the other stuff wasn’t important to spend time or money on.

@A Suresh – Thanks, I’m glad you liked the post. It’s scary to write things when you know they’ll be there forever…and it certainly doesn’t mean we’ll all be perfect every time…but it’s worth a shot!

@Ryan – Thanks!

@Raza – Love the idea of buttons. I’m still rocking the plain old business card.

@Daniel – That’s an exciting place to be, isn’t it? Strangers care what you have to say. A little intimidating but supportive and exciting too :)

@Shafar – You’re welcome!

Sorry this was so long and thanks for your patience in reading! I like to try to respond to everyone. It’s that whole networking thing – I’m a conversation-after-the-presentation junkie.

By: Tom - StandOutBlogger.com

Tom - StandOutBlogger.com — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 20:30:39 +0000

I am really surprised how many established blogs still have a free theme and a text logo. You would create a normal business with the same branding and logo as 100’s of other stores so why do it with your ‘online business’

By: Ryan Roberts

Ryan Roberts — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 18:27:48 +0000

Not following Jennifer’s suggestions for your blog is like being a wallflower at an in-person networking event.

Now I’m off to re-do my about and contact pages…

By: SoftwareSweatshop

SoftwareSweatshop — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:34:17 +0000

My blog is an awesome networking tool. I printed up buttons with my logo and simply wear it at networking events. It generates interest and captures attention. It’s an ice breaker and differentiates me. I love it.

Raza Imam
http://SoftwareSweatshop.com

By: Jody Reale--Kill Your Lunch Hour

Jody Reale--Kill Your Lunch Hour — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:20:38 +0000

As someone who is wired to network and to write, I’m grateful for the blogging medium every day. I agree that it’s not a panacea, though, and is just one column supporting one’s networking platform. Great post!

By: Todd Andrews

Todd Andrews — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 17:14:45 +0000

I think they can be a networking tool, but not nearly as effective as some other networking methods.

By: Evelyn Lim

Evelyn Lim — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:52:11 +0000

You said….

“Worst of all, if you read your blog aloud to a group…would they stay awake?”

Oh my…I must remind myself to always make my posts interesting! Guess it boils down to exploring creativity to publish above average content.

Evelyn

By: Daniel Richard | WE

Daniel Richard | WE — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:48:40 +0000

Not quite. When I started off mine, it wasn’t intended to be a networking tool. Though now with the increased readers on the site (beyond the reach of my friends), there is definitely a need to network more to increase in the interest and contents on the site.

By: Shafar

Shafar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:27:10 +0000

Thanks for this great article.

By: A Suresh Kumar

A Suresh Kumar — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:25:02 +0000

Outstanding post, I hate public speaking. because i am shy to speak in front of others. With help of your blog, you can broadcast what you thought by means of writing. You will receive response for your writing as comments.

The written content last for ever when compared to spoken words.

By: Mike Nichols

Mike Nichols — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:21:18 +0000

Actually, I love public speaking! But your suggestion to make my blog posts like I was speaking really hit home. I went back and read a couple out loud. Though I was trying to present a lot of information, I’m afraid they’re a little on the dull side! From now on, I’m going to read each post out loud before putting it before the public.

And networking, yes, sorta. I live in a relatively small town, and I look on my blog as a way of contacting a wider audience. I value the conversations, but I value more the contacts I am making. I intend making use of them as my blog and I grow.

Fortunately, I already have a contact page, and both an About page and an About This Blog page. I don’t have information about what I do for money, and I hadn’t thought about it until you mentioned it. It seems so obvious. That’s a great big “Duh” for me!

Thanks for a great article. It really opened my eyes to some important issues.

By: JoAnn Donahue

JoAnn Donahue — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:18:19 +0000

Good advise for the novice blogger..

Thanks,
JoAnn

By: Marie

Marie — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:12:44 +0000

I always struggle with the personal branding vs. privacy issue. I want to give my readers more information about me in order to round out my image and help them feel a connection to the blog, but I often worry that I’m compromising my privacy in the process. Does anyone else out there worry about this or have interesting ways of dealing with it?